Best Dispersed Camping near Kootenai National Forest, MT

This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

It’s Saturday and no one is here but me. Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees! I get one bar of Verizon service but it’s not very useful.

Cedar Creek trailhead is not officially a campground but the parking lot can be used for camping at after 5PM.  It is not massive lot, but there is plenty of space for five or six tents or car campers.  A spring runs next to the lot and if you have a filter, its makes for a great place to resupply on water.  

I stayed here in June 2022 and had no issues with locals driving up.

We stayed here in June 2019 while on a motorcycle trip.  The area is a large open spot, known to the locals, down by the river.  There are no facilities, but if that is what you are looking for, its a perfect spot.  We only had one other camper (in a car) and it was very clean.